Premier McGuinty:
Ontario faces a monumental
challenge. How can we preserve quality public
services, which are the foundation of healthy
families, thriving communities and a just
society, under current fiscal pressures? And in
keeping with the recent Liberal campaign slogan,
how can we do this together?
The Ontario Public Service
Employees Union (OPSEU) and the United
Steelworkers (USW) District 6 are ready to help.
Our suggestion is simple and based on what we've
heard in our travels across Ontario.
From main streets to boardrooms,
women and men across this province are asking
the same questions. Where is the leadership to
lead us out of the current downturn? Why can't
we build a province that is both prosperous and
compassionate? Why should we let a misguided
drive for austerity turn us into a society of
winners and losers, with very few winners?
Premier, periods of peril can be
periods of opportunity if we enter into
respectful discussion with those who make our
economy work.
Our suggestion is simple: before
committing Ontario to years of pain, take a
short pause for consultation.
We believe the time has come for
a round table discussion that includes business,
government and labour. Convening this meeting
would show leadership. What this province needs
is a new kind of accord to chart the best way
forward. Respectful discussion and serious
thought can build a prosperous - and
compassionate - future. We hope you agree
that this is the path that can move our economy
to greater heights.
To get there, Ontario needs a
progressive economy with an industrial strategy
that produces winners. Ontarians also need
quality public services. And we need greater
income equality, not a society of haves and
have-nots. Premier, we ask you to convene a
meeting soon. Become a visionary leader. If you
take this step, we can move forward together. We
await your response.
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, OPSEU
Wayne Fraser
Director, USW District 6
